South Philadelphia History
When Philadelphia was first founded, the area now called South Philadelphia was made up of several small Indian townships; Moyamensing and Southwark. Due to a huge influx of population from immigration mostly from Ireland and Italy, the Act of Consolidation in 1854 brought this southern area into Philadelphia proper.
Creative Commons: Mitch Groff “US 1 South from PA 132”
Boundaries Of South Philly
The boundaries of South Philadelphia are currently South Street to the north; the East Delaware River to the east and south, and the Schuykill River to the west.
Courtesy of Google Maps: South Philadelphia Map
South Philly Is A Collection Of Neighborhoods
South Philly, unlike other Philadelphia neighborhoods is actually its own collection of neighborhoods, which are very diverse culturally but significantly interwoven with historic beginnings. According to Wikipedia, there are over 31 distinct communities in South Philly; however, some of the most recognized names for specific areas include:
1. Bella Vista
2. East Passyunk Crossing
4. Grays Ferry
6. Hawthorne
7. Lower Moyamensing
8. Marconi and Stella Maris
9. Navy Yard Stadium Complex
10. Newbold
11. Packer Park
12. Passyunk Square
13. Pennsport
14. Point Breeze
15. Queen Village
16. Schuykill/South of South
17. West Passyunk
18. Whitman
The Cultural Roots of South Philly Neighborhood Names
The Indian name Passyunk appears 3 times; other spellings that may be found in historian records include: Perslajingh, Passayunk, Passyonck, Passajon, Passajungh, Passaming and paisajungh. This name means “place between hills.” A good number of south Philadelphia neighborhoods have an interesting story about their name such as Gray’s Ferry being named for the ferry operator George Gray in 1747, or Bella Vista meaning “pretty views,” and the area of Marconi and Stella Maris is named for Nobel prize winner Guglielmo Marconi.
Click to get pre-approved for a home mortgage!
South Philadelphia Facts
If you’re looking to buy a home in South Philadelphia and live amongst this rich history, you should know that the Navy Yard/Stadium Complex area is home to the Philadelphia Phillies, Eagles, 76ers, Flyers, Wings and Soul, and also the largest and oldest Italian neighborhoods reside in South Philly; however, the diverse melting pot of cultures also include many residents who are Irish, Polish, African American, Hispanic and Asian. In my own humble opinion, it’s also the best place to find the best cheesesteaks, Italian food, some of the best bakeries around (yum, desserts).
Creative Commons: Brian Wilson “Philadelphia Phillies Upper Lever Panoramic”
Summary:
Whether you’re going to game, looking for a cheesesteak, or just looking to enjoy a culturally rich neighborhood, South Philadelphia has what you need! If you have a favorite things about South Philly, please let us all know what it is!
References:
http://www.southphillyreview.com/community/neighborhoods/girard-estate
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Philadelphia
About Agent Lady: Cherise Wynne is a leading real estate agent in Philadelphia, helping home buyers and sellers navigate the City of Brotherly Love, with a special focus on first time home buyers. To chat about getting started with your first time home buying experience, click here.
